World Cup Predictions for 6/18/26

Yesterday was our roughest of the tournament thus far, I was dead wrong about the England and Panama game. That being said it gives us an opportunity to bounce back as we head into the second stage of group games. I’m short on time today so the previews will be a bit condensed. Let’s get it! 

 

Czechia vs South Africa

Kick-Off: 12 PM ET

Location: Atlanta 

 

South Africa looked horrible in their opening game against Mexico, which is what we expected. Czechia jumped out to an early lead against South Korea, but they ultimately fell 2-1. Both teams are playing catch up now in this group, and will be pushing hard to secure points here as they look to advance to the round of 32. I think Czechia is the much better side, and even though the line has come down a bit I’m expecting them to win this game. 

 

Prediction: Czechia 1, South Africa 0 

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Switzerland vs Bosnia & Herzegovina

Kick-Off: 3 PM ET

Location: Los Angeles 

 

Switzerland was probably the biggest disappointment of the opening round of group play, and this game can go one of two ways in my opinion. We either see a huge bounce back effort from them as they look to advance, or they continue on their disappointment and muster out a draw. It’s hard to trust them given the form that we saw from them, but this game is indoors which I think will be a big help for them and I’m backing them to have a nice bounce-back effort behind a goal from Dan Ndoye. 

 

Prediction: Switzerland 2, Bosnia 1

 

Canada vs Qatar 

Kick-Off: 6 PM ET

Location: Vancouver 

 

We hit on the draw in Canada’s opening game vs Bosnia – but this is a much different spot. They will be motivated to push here for points, and I do not buy what I saw from Qatar against Switzerland. I think that was much more a negative for Switzerland than it was a positive for Qatar, and even though Canada has never won a World Cup game this has to be the spot circled to do so. They also reportedly will have Alphonso Davies back for this game which would be massive for their ability to create chances on offense. 

 

Prediction: Canada 1, Qatar 0

 

Mexico vs South Korea

Kick-Off: 9 PM ET 

Location: Estadio Guadalajara 

 

This is far and away the game of the day and I cannot wait to watch this one. I have futures on Mexico to make a little run in this tournament based on the home field advantage they will see – but I can’t help but ignore the fact that South Korea was one of the most impressive teams to me in the opening round of group play. The biggest weakness for South Korea is going to be defending set pieces – that’s what they conceded a goal on vs Czechia and Mexico can beat them on sets as well. That being said, these two teams both secured three points in their opening game so I think if it’s close in the second half a point would work for both – though Mexico is motivated to win this group to secure a game in Mexico City in the Round of 32. I think these teams probably tie, but there should be fireworks regardless. 

 

Prediction: Mexico 1, South Korea 1